August 2003
Churchwardens: Mrs. J. H. Mannings, Mr. J. R. Wyld
Friday 29th August is the Feast Day of the Beheading of St John the Baptist.
This month I am printing part of a homily for this feast written by Fr Maurice Levesque of Catholic Doors Ministry.
When John began his ministry in the wilderness of Judea, his message was, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." [Mt. 3:2] To this, he added, "Bear fruit worthy of repentance." [Mt. 3:8] In other words, it is insufficient to say that one had repented. Such a repentance must manifest loving words and actions of charity towards others.
Most likely, the main reason why John the Baptist is well known throughout the world today is because he was chosen by God to baptize Jesus on the shore of the Jordan River. When the Lord Jesus appeared before John to be baptized, at first, John humbly protested. He felt that he was the one who should be baptized by Jesus. In obedience to Jesus, Saint John the Baptist baptized the Lord. During this event, the heavens opened up and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Jesus. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.'" [Mt. 3:13-17] To this effect, John the Baptist testified, "And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." [Jn. 1:34]
John the Baptist was a prophet who spoke boldly. He did not tolerate hypocrisy from anyone, not even Herod the ruler. Publicly, John condemned the adulteress affair of Herod who was living with Herodias, his brother's wife, and the other evil things that Herod had done. [Lk. 3:18-29] Consequently, Herod had John thrown in prison. Some think as Herod, that because they have power, they cannot be touched by anyone. Woe to them when Judgment Day comes!
During his imprisonment, John's faith was tested. He frequently asked himself if Jesus was the promised Messiah. As was the common belief of the Jewish people, John was looking towards a worldly messianic kingdom. He could not understand the reason why there was an ongoing delay.
Finally, John sent words by his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the one who was to come or were they to wait for another? [Mt. 11:2-3] Jesus answered, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them, And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." [Mt. 11:4-6]
The key words in this response were, "the blind receive their sight." These words were in fulfillment of the many prophecies of the Old Testament prophets which foretold that the blind would see. Throughout the entire history of the world, no one has ever surpassed Jesus in giving sight to the blind, either physically or spiritually. These words comforted John the Baptist, acknowledging that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Therefore, John had to continue to trust in the progressive Divine Plan of God that was slowly unravelling itself.
As we heard during today's Gospel reading, the life of John the Baptist was cut short when he was beheaded. [Mt. 14:1-12; Mk. 6:16- 29] While Saint John did not live on earth to see the fullness of the glory of Jesus, in Heaven, he awaited for the moment of the Ascension, the time of the official arrival of Jesus as King of the eternal Kingdom. At that moment, John followed Jesus into the Kingdom of God as one of the firstfruits of many more to come.
Saint John the Baptist is a Christian model towards which we should all aspire. He persevered in his blind faith, seeking nothing other than to serve and to obey God in humility. Equally, we are called many times during our lives to walk in blind faith, seeking nothing other than to serve and obey God in humility. Today, let us reflect upon the life of St. John the Baptist and ask the Lord Jesus to sanctify us so that we too may enjoy the persevering strength that John enjoyed until his last breath.
Hugh Bonsey
Copyright © 2002 Catholic Doors Ministry
For details of Church Services in Wellow CLICK HERE
For details of Church Services in Peasedown St. John CLICK HERE
CHURCH NEWS The Safari Supper due to take place on 6th September has been postponed until the Spring, as a number of people who would have been hostesses and bought tickets are not going to be around at that time (disappointing) but we do have the Harvest Supper on 28th September in the Village Hall, after the Church Service. So we hope as many as possible will support this. It proved to be a good event last Harvest Festival so let’s see if we can make it even better this year. We will need flower arrangers for the Harvest Festival so if you would like to do an arrangement please let Joyce Mannings know then we can arrange where in the Church you would like to do one.
Now the good news. The children and young families are having another of their special services on Sunday, 31st August at 3.00pm. We do hope lots of you will come as these services have proved to be very popular when they have taken place during the last year.
During the summer months numbers at Church are often a bit low, this August we have two visiting preachers, so do try and come. Details are:
Sunday, 17 August at 9.30 am - Celebrant and Preacher: The Revd Brian Sutton
Sunday, 31 August at 11.15 am - Celebrant + Preacher: The Revd Neville Pearce
P.S. The lamplight on the lane side of the church has been broken and will have to be repaired. If anyone knows or saw who did it can they report it to the PCC, as all these things are not cheap to repair.
Churchwardens
EMMAUS COURSE For anyone who wishes to find out more about the Christian Faith there will be an Emmaus Course held in Peasedown St John, starting on Tuesday, 7th October at 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm. The course continues for the following three Tuesdays and at each session there will be tea/coffee and biscuits. The same course may also be available at other locations within the Seven Lamps Group Ministry. For further details please contact Revd Hugh Bonsey on 01761 432293
CHILDREN AND YOUNG FAMILIES On Sunday, 31st August We Are Going On a Journey. At 3.00 pm we are going to walk from St. Julian’s Well through the woods and fields to the Church. It is not very far and we will be stopping on the way for a story and some games. When we get to the church at about 4.00 pm we will write our own prayers about the countryside and the journey we have just been on. At about 4.15 pm we hope Mums and Dads and Grandparents will join us for a short time to hear the prayers that the children have made up about the afternoon and to sing a song. At 4.30 pm we will have a picnic tea in the field behind the church. See you at St. Julian’s Well, on the Sunday following the Flower Show.
WE'VE DROPPED A CLANGER
On Friday, 11th July there was an unfortunate incident in the tower of St. Julian's Church.
Whilst ringing the tenor bell, which weighs 21cwt, it suddenly fell silent only to be followed by a noise like the rumbling of thunder in the bell chamber high above our heads. This sent those not actually ringing diving for cover. After those that had been ringing had stood their bells an expeditionary party was sent up to the bell chamber to ascertain what had happened. On inspection of the tenor bell it was immediately apparent that the clapper was now missing! For those not versed in the art of bell ringing the clapper is the long heavy hammer which is suspended within the bell and gives the bell its voice when it strikes against the edge of the bell as the bell is being rung.
The clapper on this tenor bell, which weighs 56 Kg or 123 lb in old money, had sheared off, it had been projected from the bell and was now settled on the floor of the chamber!
Fortunately no one was injured and no other damage appears to have been done to the tower, the bells or the clock chiming mechanism. Following expert advice and our own deliberations it is apparent that we are going to have to replace the old clapper. The cost to manufacture a completely new clapper and the associated fittings by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London is between £900 and £1000. This comes on the back of our having funded and installed a complete set of new bell ropes in the latter part of last year. So if you would like to hear the familiar old dong of the tenor bell sooner rather than later we are asking if villagers or others would be prepared to donate towards the cost of this essential repair.
If you feel able to contribute towards this appeal we would be extremely grateful and would be pleased to receive cash or cheques, made payable to "The Parochial Church Council of Wellow" which can be delivered to Clover Holland, Honorary Treasurer, Wellhope Knowe, Station Road, Wellow.
We look forward to your support and indeed to seeing anyone who has an interest in acquiring a new stimulating and enjoyable hobby in the belfry on Friday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm.
WELLOW PARISH COUNCIL held the monthly meeting
on Monday, 21st July 2003.
We had some interesting ideas for a name for the street at the new
Weavers Farm development.
Almost all the suggestions included the word Weavers. But the most
popular was Weavers Orchard, and someone thought the houses could be named
after cider apples.
The planning application by AG Phillips re permission to extend timescale by 4 years to allow completion of landfill works had been discussed and a reply sent to planning officers to object. The decision will have been made before this is received.
The other application was 03/01479/RES by J S Bloor for
on site access road, strategic landscape and services, on the land between
A367, Wellow Lane, Eckweek Lane. Although it was agreed not to
object to the application the Parish Council will keep a careful eye on
this.
Permission has been granted for Mr and Mrs Carter to build a single
storey extension to Teazel Cottage.
A parishioner has proposed that the Parish Council consider that affordable housing be built on the Car Park. This will be included in the Parish Plan.
Stoney Littleton Lane is due to be resurfaced in September.
Also in September the Parish Council will put forward their views on Genetically Modified food, after they have read lots of literature provided by Erica Smith.
There will not be a meeting in August.
Joyce Morphew Clerk
FROM THE PAST
The Guardian 1896
'SHEEP FAIR - The annual sheep fair was held on Monday. The weather was very unfavourable, a steady downpour of rain continued from early morning until late in the afternoon, and in consequence very few dealers were present, and business was dull. About 5000 sheep were penned. Ewes of the best quality sold at from 50s. to 55s. per head; second quality ewes at 42s. Best lambs made from 35s. to 45s. ; inferior lambs, about 25s.'.......
The school managers generally recognised that there would be minimal attendance and teaching made impossible by the noise from outside; it was usual to declare a holiday. An entry records:- Oct 19th, 'School closed for the day in consequence of Wellow Fair'. GH
RIDING FOR THE DISABLED CHARITY RAMBLE On behalf of everyone connected with the RDA I should like to express our grateful thanks for all those who recently donated monies towards the above appeal. Through your generosity I was able to raise over three hundred pounds.
Carol Woods
WELLOW & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
WELLOW FLOWER SHOW & COUNTRY FAIR SATURDAY, 30th AUGUST 1.30pm, WELLOW PLAYING FIELDS. Admission: members free (you can join on the day at the gate), Adults £2, Senior citizens £1, Children 16 years and under FREE.
Come along and have an enjoyable afternoon with all your family and friends. As well as the Flower, Fruit, Vegetables, Cookery, Hobbies & Crafts etc. in the main marquee there are lots of other stalls, side-shows and entertainment to tempt including; Plants & Produce, Bath Beekeepers, Llamas, Crafts, Local Produce, Bric-a-Brac, Classic Cars & Bikes, Punch & Judy, Larkrise Community Farm, Priston Morris Men, Pony Rides, W.I. Teas, BBQ, Beer Tent, Novelty Dog Show, Children's Art Tent..... and a whole lot more.
HELP IS STILL NEEDED - please do come forward (before you are asked!) and offer your services. Everyone can be of service from as little as one hour and in all kinds of ways. Contact Show Secretary Shirley Betts 01225 833 683 or any committee member.
DONATIONS PLEASE - bottles and jars of groceries, bottles of alcohol which can be left any-time in the box at The Parlour Shop or Friday afternoon/evening up to 8 pm in the Village Hall the day before. Bric-a-Brac (no clothes please) can also be left in the Village Hall or collected if required.
WELLOW CRAFT STALL - any-one with items that they have made please bring them, preferably Friday afternoon/evening, to the Village Hall or to my home. If you are unable to do this then ASAP at the Show. Remember 75% goes to the maker and 25% towards costs of the Flower Show and YOU decide on the price. We will provide price tickets, labels, bags etc. and with a simple system keep a tally of goods sold. Contact: Mari Bartholomew, The Hollies, Mill Hill, Wellow Tel: 01225 840889
Junior Gardening Club next meeting will be on the third Sunday as usual, 17th August 10.30 am - 12 noon. Contact Lisa Leyzell-Davis Tel: 309007
Mari Bartholomew
NEWSLETTER Please may I have all copy for the Newsletter by the 20th August. It can be left in the shop, delivered to me at St. Julian’s Well or sent by e-mail. If you miss the deadline give me a ring it may not be too late. Thank you. Jill Tremellen 833506 email julians.well@virgin.net
POST FLOWER SHOW DISCO Following the success of previous village celebrations, we would like to continue the tradition by organising a POST FLOWER SHOW DISCO in the marquee on the 30th August 2003, from 8.30 pm - midnight. Eric and Susanne Hobbs have kindly agreed to provide a cash bar, and music will be provided by Park Discotheques.
As village residents, we hope that you will come along, with your admission slip (more later), ready to bop the night away. In order to have a clear idea of the numbers involved we, the organisers, would ask that you complete the confirmation slip attached to this newsletter and return it to the Village Shop or to the organisers by 5th August. Please confirm any later notifications by telephone.
A number of jubilant villagers are celebrating their 40th birthdays this year and in conjunction with their own celebrations have clubbed together to finance the lion share of the costs of this private event. However in order to cover the outstanding costs, we are inviting contributions. Any surplus monies will go towards village funds.
On receipt of your completed confirmation, we will contact you to supply you with your admission slip, and collect your donations. Look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on the night!
Jackie Halle (834824) and Alistair Colston (834528)
Confirmation Slip
Post-Flower show private Disco
I/We…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Telephone……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Would like to attend the Disco in Wellow marquee on 30th August 2003
There will be………………….(number) adults in my/our party.
I/We would like to make a donation of * of £……………towards the balance of the costs on the understanding that any surplus will go to village/charitable funds.
*Donations will be collected 1st week of August (Suggested amount £5 to £10 per Couple) at which time you will be given an admission slip.
PLEASE RETURN THIS SLIP TO THE PARLOUR SHOP BEFORE 5TH AUGUST 2003.
N.B. (Once tent capacity has been reached no further admission slips will be available – Oh, and there is no admission without a slip!)